What are /r/geologycareers' favorite Products & Services?

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That's exactly where I found the template! I used this one and have generally found it easy to alter even though my LaTeX skills are fairly rudimentary.

I've found its better to look for "geology" rather than "geologist" on Indeed, because they are more likely to say geology in the description than say geologist in the title. The graph looks a little better, but its still depressing.

I made something similar using this site where the resumes are written in LaTeX (hinted at on this persons resume). The documents are commented well enough to revise a unique resume that looks really nice. I will say that I haven't had any recent interviews in the PNW so your mileage may vary!

Maybe it's just Indeed, but even engineering and engineer are showing similar downward trends too. Take what you will from that.

It's damned handy to know. I use it all the time. If you have access to the software, you can get up to speed with tutorials in about a week.

Also, there's open source GIS available. For some things, it works better than E$RI's commercial software. It's mostly just a different GUI. I'm more comfortable with E$RI, but that's because they sink their fangs into you early in your career if you aren't careful, and it's hard to pull away from that teat once you're used to it. You can probably go to Stack Exchange and get some pointers on where to start teaching yourself with QGIS. Might be better to learn this way, so you don't get hooked on expensive commercial software.

http://www.qgis.org/en/site/

http://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/qgis

Oh Jesus, look at the graph for nursing and nurse. Somehow I have concerns that could be saturating in a few years like crazy.

I suggest creating a split resume like this to convey more information with the split format.

Additionally, even though your undergrad projects sound great, I would personally highlight the SQL, EQuIS (database), and ArcGIS skills. I also saw you posted something about creating EDDs? Absolutely highlight whatever work you did that incorporated these skills...honestly, moreso than your undergrad projects. And...AQTESOLV and Adobe Illustrator? Great Experience!

I'd push field work and mapping to the bottom of the skills list because all new geologists come in with that experience. You can send anyone out to babysit a rig. But not all fresh grads come in knowing SQL and database manipulation. I honestly think (IN GENERAL) the older enviro geos don't know how to use most of the software you listed. If you know how to create plots in R, I'd add that in there as well. Or, if you use anything other than Excel to plot graphs, don't forget to list it.

How advanced is your Excel? If you're an Excel ninja, I'd speak to that as well.

Cut the "summer research fellow" section, it's already included in the awards section.

Good luck out there!

I spent some time working on the geothermal project in Puna and fell in love with Hawaii. For a time I was following job opportunities there and it seems like there are opportunities in environmental consulting, hydrogeology, and engineering geology. Most of the jobs I saw were based out of Honolulu. Here's a place to start

Mineral exploration takes you to crazy places, so does geophysics, you would just be on another side of the coin.

Environmental has a lot of field work, but it's never exotic.

An exploration geologist for a junior mining company is generally about as shoe-string, living in the boonies as you can get, so if you want risky adventure that's a route. The industry is notoriously cyclical, but if you are good at saving it can allow you to ride out the downturns.

Here's a video of an old colleague of mine who got to do gold exploration in Egypt

For master's programs, you want to divide it into paid vs unpaid. U of Arizona has paid MSc's in geology but they are very competitive. CSM is super expensive ($17.5k/yr for OOS, with few TA spots), a lot of Canadian universities have funded MSc's.

It really really depends on what you want to do though. ASU has a really top notch remote sensing/planetary geology gig,but obviously that's not really going to be field work. So you have to decide if you want a research role, a risky job, a stable job, etc.

My advice would be to see if you can get a job in an industry after your undergrad, and then get the MSc once you really know what field you like. Between O&G, environmental, mineral exploration, mining (above ground/UG), geophysics, research, there are far too many avenues for you to blindly dive into one straight after undergrad.

You will definitely have a leg up on jobs that are field heavy, as having military experience will play very well on the resume. A lot of times the concern is hiring someone for an extended field gig if they've never done anything like that. For an ex-military person there's no concern at all, even if they've never done a field school.

PM me if you want more detail

If you haven’t read John McPhee’s “Basin and Range: Annals of the former world” I highly recommend it. He’s a superb writer who spent time with some expert geos and has us nailed. This book has a great passage on the dangers of driving with a geologist.

As someone who will be manning a booth: don't hand out resumes. If you've come with a pre-prepared stack you aren't tailoring them to the company, and they'll just get stuffed in a box under a table somewhere. Print a few business cards instead and hand those out if you get a lede on a job. Business cards usually go in the person's 'stack' that they collect and then collate at the end of the day for follow-up and reporting to their company. If they asked you to submit a resume, you should now have their business card and you can tailor it and address it personally.

Take a look at the exhibitor list in advance, and make a plan to visit some of the companies that interest you and you might want to work for. Go chat them up - standing at a booth is boring, especially with the resource industry as it is. Find out some names, especially people who might be able to help you (ie: don't pester a salesperson who may or may not have any clout with a geo at the company). If you're going to trick-or-treat the show floor, put that bag away somewhere before you go talking about a job.

Be aware of stuff that goes on around Roundup as well. For example there is a Mining4Beer meetup that week, usually a really good casual networking opportunity. Companies are hosting fewer and less lavish parties, but there are many other learning/networking opportunities than on the schedule - look on their websites and talk to their people about user group meetups/symposiums/workshops/boozers that they host.

environmental science might be a better search term than environmental geology. I'm really curious how they categorize the jobs

edit - I tried just environmental and it's a much happier picture. Although that's going to pull a lot of stuff that isn't really geology (waste management jobs, for example)

It'll literally say "entry level" :) For example, a quick indeed search resulted in this.

They might also list "recent graduate" or similar language. The point being they're looking for cheap labor to train in their craft.

I don't have a sanitized version of my resume to share, but this is the template I used, and with minimal tweaking it works great. I also has about 1/3 the amount of white space so you can fit much more information on it.

Link: https://www.overleaf.com/latex/templates/jakes-resume-anonymous/cstpnrbkhndn

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Edit: changed to correct link

example: GoldCorp Exploration Geologist

> There is a considerable, and still growing body of scientific literature that suggests that geologists are in fact the world's first alcohol-based life form. Owing to a crucial imbalance in blood electrolyte levels (possibly caused by overexposure to bad rock puns) most find it necessary to imbibe vast quantities of alcoholic beverages at every opportunity. Therefore the phrase "I am not an alcoholic, I am a geologist" has become quite common within many student bodies...

I have no idea man, I don't personally drink lol

...but geologists drinking is almost a universal constant. Both my parents, fellow co-workers, grad students, professors.... Something I was told once is that the geology department on our campus was the only building with/allowed to have a liquor license so they could have the social hours, alumni gatherings, and various other dinners and such.

The best general interview prep book I've read is this.

https://www.amazon.com/60-Seconds-Youre-Hired-Revised/dp/0143128507

If you want to maximize your chances of getting hired, I think it's a good investment. I think it made the difference in getting me hired into my current job.

Bruntons are massively overrated, I don't understand why everyone hypes them so much. Get a cheap Silva or Suunto, e.g.:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002FA9GYE?tag=duc12-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

I've used one of these in the field for 15 years now, university and work - never had a single issue.

Was doing some just the other day in a coffee shop... actually can be quite invaluable when you combine with kinematics (if you're a structural person).... found that axial planar cleavage + oblique/normal faulting was offsetting a mineralized zone that had been mined/explored for decades... nobody had really done any structural work at all (this is more common than you'd think, I've found!).

The USGS maps had faults where there was nothing, and nothing where there were BIG, obvious faults. I did a pretty basic analysis and my mode lined up pretty well with the regional stuff that's well documented, with some local nuance thrown in. It makes sense.

So... yes, they're quite useful.

This is a good, quick book for reference:

https://www.amazon.com/Stereographic-Projection-Techniques-Geologists-Engineers/dp/0521535824

This doesn't give you a direct answer, but I would recommend reading a book called: So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport. Its an easy read and it really helps with choosing a career, and starting out your life type advise. What to do in order to be happy and successful on the long run. Try to keep your options open! Don't make quick decisions and best of luck :)

I swear by this book for interview prep, it has some good advice for not getting stumped or having your mind go blank during the interview: https://www.amazon.com/Seconds-Youre-Hired-Robin-Ryan/dp/0140289038/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2H95JNOHB17TD&keywords=60+seconds+and+you%27re+hired&qid=1666319038&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQzIiwicXNhIjoiMC45NiIsInFzcCI6IjEuMTAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=60+...

These terry cloth sweatbands can be washed and reused: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T12VZ7P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_P574ZPVHX8TWCENKQHX1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If you don’t want to do the bandana route I used to wear neck gaiters on my for-head when i used to work a zipline.

The hardhat I use has a pretty good cushion so I haven’t had to deal with this. You can get some with cool designs or some that stay cool when wet.

If you get a couple you can wash them and prevent for-head acne.

Helly-Hansen Men's Workwear Mandal Bib Pant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPHZ852/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_29C6RPVRM54RD4A56A4G

Helly Hansen Workwear Mandel Adjustable Waterproof Jacket for Men - Heavy Duty Comfortable PVC-Coated Protective Rain Coat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPGQG86/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_2Q6HQ2A2BESTB0J1Y1T4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I usually always wear Frogg Toggs for backpacking and some fieldwork but I recently got this Helly-Hanson for $95 on amazon. It's really solid, waterproof, and looks way more professional than the FTs. The only "issue" is that it's heavier and warmer than the FTs.

Use a weighted treble hook. Find an unleaded version if metals are an issue or get regular treble hook and weigh down with something inert.

Matzuo W304011-8/0 Mz Snag Wt2Oz Treble #8/0 Bc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CTSQJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_GZ68A6ZQ56CEMB4EAFEF

Honestly, I'd say just get a nice clipboard like a Saunders or something. IMO there's no need to get fancy if you just use Rite-In-The-Rain paper. You can always get a piece of thin plastic or basically just a thick lamination sheet and tape it to the front with duct tape or some nice electrical tape.

I say this as someone doing primarily geotech work for a couple years and no real mapping (yet). For my needs this has worked well: https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-21017-Recycled-Aluminum-Clipboard/dp/B001E65JZ0, and I use it in very inclement weather pretty often. Normal paper will stay safe in the back compartment, more accessible and/or durable stuff in the top compartment, and my immediate-use paperwork clipped. Anything that I know will be clipped for any extended period of time gets printed on Rite-In-The-Rain.

That also makes sense from my observations of people in the industry. Most people end up going that route.

I am curious about your perspective on some renewables like the roof that Elon Musk is proposing. He's saying that due to supply ineffiencies in traditional roofs he can offer a roof that powers your house for less cost than a traditional one.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/4024592-elon-musk-solar-roof-cost-less-normal-roof

I remember you said that they don't have the retail infastructure to make it happen within 65 years. What is limiting them?

And how will the industry pick up with US unconventionals making up for the supply cuts that were agreed to? Also how hard would it be to switch into mining later in life if I had to after doing a masters on soft rock geology?

Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile. AEG (link) has a community there you can start talking to people online, and I think there is a chapter that meets in Chicago you might be able to go to one (according to the AEG website "The North Central Section typically meets the third Tuesday of every month September through May in the Chicago area"). Another group to consider would be the Hydrogeology Forum on LinkedIn, that seems to be a particularly active community. Also consider if there is a Young Professionals Group near you.

Aside from that, have you kept in touch with your peers? Have any of them landed jobs? What about your professors? The first job I got out of school I found out about through one of my former professors who passed along a request for resumes from another former student. You never know who might be looking!

A collection of tips from my friend: an emeritus professor and an avid public speak.

https://www.slideshare.net/ZELONGERICZHANG/presentation-pointers-173757387

I graduated in May 2021 with a BS in Environmental Science and recently landed a field geologist position at a geotech company. So far I've mostly been doing soil testing. I don't have any career advice as I'm just starting out but this is a textbook that I used in schoo that I found helpfull:

https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Materials-Components-Diverse-Planet/dp/0367145650

Thanks for the advice, you've genuinely been a massive help. Think it's finally at a stage where I'm ready to submit it, I was wondering if maybe you could take a final look? My tutors is still being lazy and not replying to my emails and all other staff members I have a good rapport with are currently preoccupied with handling the new exams due to the pandemic. If you don't have the time I understand you've helped me so much already.

https://gofile.io/?c=AlgFsC

Thank you for everything

Hi, I've been working on updating my CV following your comments, they were a massive help thanks again. I was wondering if you could have another look at the updated version if you have the time? Thanks again

https://gofile.io/?c=YAcb6E

Hey, I am not a geologist but a hydrologist, and the best thing you can do to get into stream restoration is read the Fluvial Geomorphology by Luna Leopold. I always go back to that book very often and very easy to read. You will not regret it.

and the free NRCS REFERENCE

STREAM CORRIDOR RESTORATION

I'm legitimately interested in this. I've been poking around this sub seeing people with MS not being able to find things. On the sidebar, there is a chart showing a steady decline. I wish you the best! You should have something by how much time and effort you put into school!

I used an overleaf template that I quite liked. Any thoughts on content? I sometimes feel that including an exchange scholarship from seven years ago is a bit of a stretch.

hi there! Your Resume is not bad. I would like to give a few tips however;

1. Write a Professional Summary or Profile at the top of the Resume. You can get examples off Google or Zety.com etc.
2. The Header for Scholarships could be changed to Awards/Honors (sounds better)
3. Changed your header about the University at the top. It doesn't flow very well and could cause employer discrimination. Instead say which job you are going for such as "Engineering Professional" for example.
4. Combine the qualifications section and additional skills. There is no need for two separate sections.

OK, that's all I can think of for now. If you still need more tips or help with your Resume please message me. I also welcome your feedback on my critique. Thank you and have a great day!

I have used websites like this, but it requires straightening and some light editing in photoshop to get the contrast right.

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https://smallpdf.com/pdf-to-excel

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If you have the budget, there are shops that do this, but it's $$$$$$.

Stay safe mate, FIFO is a tough gig, been doing it for nearly 15 years and lost a few mates along the way.

I have written an honest book about the lifestyle, at least you are not alone...

https://www.amazon.com/Beat-Sleep-Repeat-Amos-OHenry/dp/1649696922

My preferred winter sampling gloves are Glacier Gloves. Waterproof neoprene insulated gloves. They hold up very well. I used to get 1.5-2 yrs/pair of gloves. That's working several sites with anywhere from 10 to 40 MWs. I wore them most of the day, only removing them to to swap on thin gloves with nitriles over them to collect my samples.

I bought mine from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Glacier-Glove-016BK-Waterproof/dp/B002T1G7MS

This book is gold. I'm pretty sure it's what helped me get my last job. Lots of good behavioral question practice in here.

https://www.amazon.com/Geological-Interpretation-Well-Logs-Rider/dp/0954190688

This is the best book I have found unless you want to get real technical.

To really be valuable to a company as a modeler in hydro, I’d suggest a course that’s based on Schwartz and Zhang Fundamentals of Groundwater. It’s a much more quantitative treatment than Fetter, and a great MS level text. Really getting into Hydrogeology requires more math background than many geologists have, so getting up to speed in Calc and ODEs is definitely valuable too.

I had field geology last fall and this is the book our professor had us use. She specializes in mineral identification and sed-strat. Finding a book that’s local to your area will be most beneficial for rock and mineral identification. Lots of state and national parks carry books focused on local geology and there are “roadside geology” books as well for different states in the USA

https://www.amazon.com/Geological-Field-Techniques-Angela-Coe/dp/1444330624

Buy the RegReview books but for the fundamentals test augment it with https://www.amazon.com/Engineering-Geology-Environmental-Approach-2nd/dp/0131774034

This one.

I actualy read it because I found it massively entertaining a few semester before I took Structural Geology classes, it was awesome.

I don't have to do exploration in the field but I reference "Field Geology Illustrated," and "Sedimentary Rocks in the Field" when I need a visual reference.

Comptons is a good techniques and organization guide.

Other pocket sized guides you may find useful are "Field Descriptions of Igneous Rocks" and "A Pictorial Guide to Metamorphic Rocks in the Field."

just something like this? This is considered a boot right? It looks a little shoe-ish to me.

Maybe more the all leather ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T3IQUDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_x5nsybABVS7W9

The Detroit mids are really comfy, but mine were not waterproof like advertised. Customer service took care of it though and I ended up getting leather ones that have been great.

> Really, I just want to work in pretty country and find gold

Yeah that would be awesome. At least in the US you'd get to do a lot of work in NE Nevada and Alaska.

I know you've been working environmental for quite some time, how are you with mineral ID (sulfides and ig/met minerals specifically)? Did you take an economic geo classes? If you want to drop $100 on a text book the Geology of Ore Deposits is the quintessential economic geology text.

For basic Geotechnical engineering (soil testing, properties, and calculations) I would say; A introduction to geotechnical engineering and Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. One of the goes into more details about properties but the other handles a lot of the lab tests and why we use one test or another. It will help you understand some of the reports.

>one day I wish to be able to run my own business and be as accurate and reliable as he is

Degree, experience (~10 years for Ontario so probably the same for California), licenses. You need either a Professional geoscientists or Professional engineer designation.

I would buy a used edition of Marshak:

http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Portrait-Planet-Stephen-Marshak/dp/039393036X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432004768&sr=1-2&keywords=earth+portrait+of+a+planet

I would read this thing cover to cover. For less that 5 bucks, its a great deal.